Amid rising tariffs that could force price hikes for consumers, Walmart warned that its shoppers might soon face steeper prices. This announcement drew a sharp, authoritarian rebuke from President Trump, who used his social media platform to demand that Walmart 'EAT THE TARIFFS.'

Walmart spent over $2 million on lobbying efforts during the first quarter of 2025, as reported by OpenSecrets. This expenditure highlights the company’s involvement in political processes, raising concerns about corporate influence over policy-making.

Flipkart, majority-owned by Walmart, secured a Non-Banking Financial Company licence from the Reserve Bank of India, paving the way for potential fintech expansion in India. This regulatory approval underscores positive engagement with government oversight and a commitment to ethical business practices.

Walmart announced the scaling back of its DEI initiatives, including ending its participation in the Corporate Equality Index, after receiving a letter of support from over 60 conservative investors and proxy consultant groups. The decision has sparked backlash from Democratic officials and left-wing shareholders, highlighting a move that undermines protections for marginalized communities.

OpenSecrets data reveals that Walmart contributed approximately $3.89M in political donations and spent $7.24M on lobbying during the 2024 election cycle. These figures were released by the FEC and the Senate Office of Public Records, highlighting the company's strong involvement in political financing.

Walmart has ended its partnership with the Racial Equity Institute and phased out a five-year initiative addressing systemic inequities for Black and African American communities, alongside scaling back LGBTQ+ merchandise offerings. This move, attributed to rising conservative political pressure, marks a significant rollback in its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Walmart announced a significant rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, including discontinuing a five‐year commitment to a racial equity center, removing race and gender as factors in supplier contracting, and withdrawing from the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index. The changes come amid pressure from conservative activists and reflect a broader trend of dismantling corporate DEI initiatives post the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action.

A National Labor Relations Board complaint alleges that Walmart managers in Eureka, California, illegally interrogated and intimidated employees involved in unionization efforts, including tearing up pro-union flyers and enforcing an unlawful handbook policy.

Walmart issued a statement addressing allegations of Uyghur forced labour and migrant worker abuse in its seafood supply chains. The company emphasized its non‑tolerance for any human rights abuses, confirmed that an investigation is underway, and reiterated its commitment to responsible sourcing and rigorous ethical standards from its suppliers.

A report by United for Respect Education Fund reveals that Walmart and the Walton family contributed a total of $824,000 in political spending during the 2023-2024 cycle. The funds largely benefited state-level Republican candidates and office holders, including figures like former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who have supported restrictive abortion laws. These contributions are seen as aligning the company with efforts to curtail reproductive rights.

Canada’s corporate-ethics watchdog is investigating allegations that Walmart Canada relies on suppliers connected to forced labour practices, including the use of forced Uyghur labour in China’s Xinjiang region. The investigation criticizes the company's efforts for transparency and detailed supply chain tracing.

Walmart Inc, through its PAC, contributed a total of $1,157,500 to federal candidates in the 2023-2024 election cycle, as detailed on OpenSecrets. The contributions are distributed among a broad list of candidates from both major parties, reflecting the company's deep involvement in political financing.

Walmart and its affiliates donated a total of $1.89 million during the 2022 election cycle, with 54% of these contributions directed towards Republican candidates and committees. This political donation pattern raises concerns as it supports entities that may promote policies aligned with far‐right or authoritarian interests.